Pope Francis embarked on a six-day tour of Asia, visiting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, with a clear message to combat extremism and promote interfaith dialogue.
Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, the Pope met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, discussing the need for peaceful coexistence among different religious groups.
“In today’s world, divisions and conflicts threaten peace and harmony,” the Pope said. “We must work together to build bridges, not walls.”
The Pope also addressed the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, urging them to reject extremism and promote mutual understanding.
“Religion should never be used to justify violence or discrimination,” he emphasized. “Let us work together for a world where diversity is celebrated and differences are resolved through dialogue.”
In Uzbekistan, the Pope visited the city of Bukhara, a historic center of Islamic learning, where he met with Muslim leaders and emphasized the importance of interfaith cooperation.
“We are all children of God, and our differences are a richness, not a threat,” he said.
The Pope’s Asia tour aims to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding in a region where extremism and religious tensions often pose significant challenges.
By engaging with leaders and communities, Pope Francis hopes to inspire a new era of cooperation and peaceful coexistence, fostering a brighter future for all people.
